Inferno license still a slow burn

Board wants to monitor activity outside the bar during summer.

Board wants to monitor activity outside the bar during summer.

May 24, 2006|By PATRICK M. OÂ?CONNELL Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND Â? With the unofficial start of summer arriving this weekend, the St. Joseph County Alcohol Tobacco Commission decided Wednesday to use the next two months to evaluate whether the Inferno Bar & Grill deserves to have its alcohol permit renewed.

Board members want to monitor how the bar, at 1150 Mishawaka Ave., handles larger crowds during warm June and July nights.

The barÂ?s liquor license has been up for review since December following a series of violent episodes in the parking lot.

Many neighborhood residents say the bar is a safety hazard and a nuisance.

Â?This gives us an opportunity to watch an owner who says heÂ?s going to cooperate with everyone and for them to be respectful to the neighbors,Â? ATC board president Bob Urbanski said.

One neighbor in attendance and South BendÂ?s chief assistant city attorney Aladean DeRose both agreed with the decision to hold off on making a decision Â? the fourth time the board has done so Â? until the commissionÂ?s July 26 meeting.

Â?Just to be clear, this is not a fourth break,Â? said board member Mike Pajakowski. Â?Basically weÂ?re holding the renewal over their head to make sure they do what the neighborhood wants and are not going to be a nuisance.Â?

Board members also indicated the InfernoÂ?s current owner may be in the process of selling the bar, and the potential new owner currently is managing the facility.

No disturbances in or outside the Inferno have been reported to the board in the last few months.